Baby Shower

My Family and Friend shower was awesome. I could not believe how many people came! The hostesses did an awesome job. The food, decorations, game, and organization made everything flow so smoothly! Benjamin received everything he needed and wanted times ten, except for his carseat/stroller combo which we were planning on getting ourselves anyways! I can't wait to see Benjamin in all his new clothes, playing with his new toys, and using everything that everyone bought. Thank you to everyone!
So, the third trimester, not really a big fan. I am tired, I can't get comfortable, I get leg cramps, and it feels as if Benjamin is trying to come out of my belly button sometimes. I can no longer get out of the bathtub by myself. John gets the pleasure of watching me look like a beached whale flopping around trying to get in a position where he can hoist me out. Benjamin is already teaching me humility. Either that or he is making me humiliated. Everyday I think I am going into labor. Was that another contaction? Did my water just break? Where's my books, I must check. Yeah, I know I still have over 4 weeks.

Church Shower and My Weekend

I had my church shower last Wednesday. We were overwhlemed with gifts! We got tons of clothes and blankets. He will surely never be naked or cold! The cake was awesome. Of course anything with sugar in it taste awesome to me! It was fun to watch John's facial expressions when I opened the gifts. He was getting so excited, ecspecially if anything had "Daddy" or "sports" on it.
John had to unexpectedly work out of town this weekend, but don't worry I didn't get lonely. I had offered to watch Jenny and Brian's boys so Jenny could go visit Brian while he was in Florida. I know that is can be hard to be away from your husband, and I have been somewhat bored, so I thought perfect timing. I had a blast with the boys. I am not saying they were perfect or I was perfect, but I did really enjoy them. If you take time to watch children they can really teach you a lot. There is no rushing in a child's world, even when it is cold outside. Walking down three steps, isn't just taking three steps. Its jumping off the side, not landing right, so you must do it again and this time add a twist while you are in the air. A two second task now takes 5 minutes. They really do make you stop and smell the roses.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Birthing Class

BIRTHING CLASS.........................................$65.00


HOSPITAL FEES FOR LABOR AND DELIVERY.....$2500


SEEING MY HUSBAND PREGNANT....................PRICELESS

8 Weeks and Counting...

I can't beleive how fast my pregnancy has gone by. I knew by telling people so early it would drag by, but it really hasn't. I went to the doctor today for my 32 week check up and everything looks good. I am still measuring big (big baby), my blood pressure is good, his heart rate is good ,and he is in birthing position. Let the countdown begin! This weekend John and I have our Birthing Class. As you can imagine John is thrilled. I signed up for breast feeding classes too, which I couldn't talk John into going, so good ole Momma is going with me. We have our church shower Wednesday which is exciting and our family/friends shower on the 19th. Our January is getting full! This is a good thing though, I am not working (outside the home, believe me I am still working in the house) or going to school this semester. I am having a hard time adjusting without a set schedule.

Oh! I made the honor role! I never thought at 26 years of age I would still get excited about making the honor role. This semester was hard, between morning sickness and the challenging classes, I can honestly say I worked hard and earned my grades.

Hope everyone is doing well, and hope to see everyone at Benjamin's shower!

Let there be light...

And on the tenth day God said let there be light. John and I were without power for ten days, actually I was. John had no power for 4 days. He was in Vegas (on business) for two weeks. On the first day without power everyone called to see how I was. People really worry about you when you are pregnant and by yourself! John's cousin brought by a roasted chicken for me, food is very, very important to the LeMasters. John called to tell me his brother was on the way to the house to bring me firewood. I asked if he could just take me to Checotah to my in-laws. I had been without power for 12 hours, already felt a little crazy, very lonely, and cold...I knew I wouldn't last much longer. So, I stayed in Checotah until the follwing Monday. I loved Checotah. Everthing was slow paced, my in-laws spoiled me with days of shopping, wonderful food, movies, and pretty much anything my heart desired (which basically was just a lot of sweets). John flew in the following Sunday and we left fot Tulsa the next day for a doctors appointment and to check on the house. We lost a ton of limbs, giant limbs, our front porch awning was ripped off, we had punctures in our siding, some damage to the privacy fence, our shed in the back was crunched, and the wires were detatched from our house. "It could have been worse," is what I kept telling John (although I was biting my cheek to keep the tears from falling, and honestly it could have been worse, but all I can/could think off is preparing my home , our lives for our baby.) Let's see, Monday and Tuesday we stayed at my parents house so we could work on the house during the day and sleep there at night. Wednesday afternoon, I was taking a break from raking (John was at the bank) and a PSO truck drove by, I waved and smiled, he stopped, put it in reverse, and asked if I had power. "Nope." I must have looked pathetic, 30 weeks pregnant, no make-up, dirty, and worn out from raking and picking up what wood I could. Within 15 minutes we had lights! Priaise God! Glory Hallelujah! I cried.
Back to the doctor's appintment. I only have 10 weeks left. I am healthy, text book on weight gain, blood pressure, etc. He measured my belly, which he said is measuring big...YES! Moving up the due date...wrong, He is just a big boy. Oh, well, big healthy boy to take care of his momma.

I hope everyone is doing well!

Growing Up and Holidays

With each passing year the Holiday season keeps changing. The child inside of me misses the Thanksgivng where everyone came to my parent's house. It was mass chaos, too many people in a small area, there was wasted food, wasted pop, belly aches from eating too much food, loud talkers, and football on the TV blaring. But all my brothers and sisters were there, all my family was there, I didn't realize it at the time, but they are what made my Thanksgiving so great. I know my family is not perfect and I am sure there was drama at each holiday, but for some reason I don't remember those things.
We now have to make specific times for family to "fit" everyone in. We no longer make time for the ones we love, we schedule time. My holidays consist of watching the clock and watching people's feelings. I miss the Christmas with Jody in his stocking hat, Marla slowly moving around, barely awake, Jenny running into my room, "You have to see what Santa brought you", and Jonathan soon to follow with stocking in hand. I can remember one Christmas present I received, the trampoline. But I have numerous memories of Christmas time with my family that I wouldn't trade for a million presents. The greatest present I received as a child was being born in to the Richardson/Hendricks family.
I do enjoy my holidays now too, they are just changing. I have two of everything; now my little family is making thier own traditions, but it is hard letting go of past traditions. I love my family, all of my family, and I hope we continue to grow.

Happy Holidays

Last Tuesday night I got a call from my mother in law asking if I would be able to sing at a funeral Friday. A friend of her's husband had died and she had heard me sing at Pat's father's funeral and wanted me to sing at her husband's funeral. I was really flattered but I had Chemistry on Friday. I figured out a way to leave chemistry lecture early and come back a little late to chemistry lab and still be able to sing at the funeral. I spent a good part of the day on Wednesday finding the requested music. I really dislike singing to tracks, but I didn't know if they would have an accompanist or not. By the end of the day I was freaking out because I couldn't find a track for one of the songs they wanted, O Danny Boy--yes, not the typical funeral song, but it was the mans favorite song and honestly a song I really like. I finally was able to find it, but it was in a book and I had to buy the CD to go along with it. I ended up spending a little over $40 on music. Yikes. But I was still really honored that someone outside the family, someone I didn't even know, wanted me to sing! Did I mention this was a Catholic funeral? Wednesday night, three music stores later, I get a call from the music director from the church where the funeral was to be held. A few Catholic rules you may be unaware of, (1) You are to sing to live music, no tracks allowed.(I was able to take all the music back at least) (2) They are picky about what songs are allowed to be sung, NO Danny Boy allowed. (3) The music director must sing th majority of the music (she has a contract). Interesting. I am to meet with the accompanist that they provide, 45 minutes before the funeral and I will be singing Amazing Grace and In the Garden. WHAT! I am a perfectionist, I like to practice days in advance. Friday, I wake up a little nervous, which is strange for me, usually the day that I am to sing, I eat pepto and imodium like it is candy. I pray I don't get nervous, that the songs are comforting to the family, and that my voice is comforting as well. I stand up to sing, no nerves, no shaky voice, no sweaty, cold hands, and best of all no nervous stomach cramps. The power of God is an amazing thing. He truly rewarded me in the best way, for doing his will and using my gift to show God's comfort and empathy during trying times.
Today, I go to get the mail and there is a Thank You card from the woman. I open it up and a $100 check falls out. Are you kidding me?!? I get paid for it too!

Exhausting Weekend

John's parents came down Saturday to help John and I move furniture around. We finally got doors up on our master bedroom. We decided to use the doors I found in the attic, which were origianl to the house and it was a great decision. The look really good! We now have a nursey. It looks enormous! All we have in there is Benjamin's crib and a Norman Rockwell painting of baseball game of course. The house seems so much more functional now. Just a few additional things we did this weekend, cleaned out two closets, cleaned all the carpet in the house, changed shower heads, CLEANED, painted, hung cabinet doors, moved furniture, laundered all the bedding in the house, and stared at Benjamin's crib coming to the realization that in 18 short weeks there will lay a little perfect baby boy. I am not for sure if my father in law will ever come in town for a visit again, I really put him to work! It was really nice to have them here, what would have taken John and I days to accomplish took only 5 hours. I am starting my next "to-do" list, so watch out Mom and Dad!
School is going well. I am becoming more and more abscentminded which is frustrating. I am glad I am taking next semester off. Choir, although very challening, is really coming together. Our first performance is November the 18th for Thanksgiving, and our next is for Christmas December 16--mark your calendars, both are during the AM service.
My camera is broken so, no new pictures. I am getting rounder by the day and am really enjoying the pregnancy now. No morning sickness...YEAH!

I hope everyone is doing well, I am off to Anatomy!

Schedules for the Family Reunion

Mom has been stressed out so I offered to make a food list for the family reunion next weekend. I tried to make it as easy as possible for everyone.

Friday Night--Hot Dogs and Frito Chili Pie

Every family brings their own dogs, buns, and drinks.
Amy--chili
Mom--shredded cheese
Jessica--diced onions
Jenny--two bags of Fritos

Saturday Morning--BREAKFAST!

Mom--biscuits
Jessica--two dozen eggs
Amy--gravy and 2 lbs of sausage
Jenny--2 lbs of baccon

Saturday Night--Hamburgers

Every family brings there own patties, buns, and drinks.
Amy-baked beans
Jessica--potato salad
Jenny--three bags of chips
Mom--sliced tomatoes, onions, and dip

Friday and Saturday Night--DESSERT! SMORES!

Jessica--marshmellows
Jenny--chocolate
Amy--graham crackers

If you can think of anything I have forgotten, something you would like to add, or anything else, just let me know. Also, I didn't know if we all wanted to bring our own paper plates and untensils, or if we wanted to all pitch in and share. Keep in mind when purchasing food it will be for 8 adults and 5 kids. I thought it would be easiest if every family did there own lunches since our breakfast it so late. Let me know if you think the quanities are big enough. And, mom will have condiments.

I know Mom gets stressed out when it comes to cleaning up after each meal. She frightens me when she turns into Sybil, so I took the liberty of making a cleaning schedule as well.

Friday Night

Jenny--clean dishes
Brian--dry dishes
Kids--pick up trash with Papa Joe's help
Amy/John--gather dishes
Mom--put dishes/food up

Saturday Morning

Jessica--clean dishes
Jonathan--dry dishes
Kids--pick up trash with Papa Joe's help
Jenny/Brain--gather dishes
Mom--put dishes/food up

Saturday Night

Amy--clean dishes
John--dry dishes
Kids--pick up trash with Papa Joe's help
Jonathan/Jessica--gather all dishes
Mom--put food dishes up

I hope this helps everyone and isn't annoying. Let me know if I have forgotten anything!

And the Baby is...

I went to the doctor today for my 3rd appointment. I have only gained 5 lbs (a total of 8 lbs), which is great. My blood pressure is normal and the baby's heart rate is 145. Oh, did I mention its a BOY!!! We had a suprise ultrasound. My doctor said it is his favorite part of the job. So, I can stop saying baby and say, Benjamin Price LeMasters.

John has started a T-ball league for 2012 for anyone ready to sign there child up : )

Changes are coming...

I am officially the choir director for Sandusky Avenue Christian Church. For now the position will be a volunteer position, but they plan on making it a paid position in 2008. I was a little nervous about working at the hospital, going to school full time, a new baby on the way, and taking a voluteer position. I told John about my hesitation and my wonderful husband said, "If this is what you want to do, I think you should quit your job." It was like music to my ears.
School is going well, very challenging, and time consuming, but interesting.
John got a promotion at work, which he is adjusting too slowly, but is excited about. I tell him he is my old man; he is not one for change.
I am now 17 weeks pregnant and only had one bout of morning sickness this week! Glory Hallelujah! I can feel the baby move now, which made 11 weeks of vomitting everday well worth it. John and I will be finding out the baby's gender soon. We can't wait!

Life is Good!

Pray, Pray, Pray for Me!

I received an e-mail from John and I's preacher a few days ago. He asked if I would like to sit down informally and discuss me taking a position at the Church as the Choir Director. Are you kidding me!?! That would be awesome! We are to meet sometime next week to discuss the ins and outs. So please pray that this position is perfect for John and I and if it isn't, I won't be devastated. I will let everyone know when I know more details.

Appointment #2

John and I went to our second OB appointment today. Everything looks good. I have gained three pounds, which is good considering how much I have been vomitting. We got to hear the baby's heart beat, 165 beats per minute. My blood pressure is good and that pretty much sums up the appointment, short and sweet.
School started this week. I am taking Chemistry, Anatomy and Nutrition. I am really excited about these classes. They will be challenging, but they bring me that much closer to the nursing program.

I hope everyone is doing well!

John calls it OUR stomach...

Yes, I am showing. And yes, I am only 12 weeks.

Sad Story

Working in the ICU has really been an expirience. The stories that come through there are more bizarre than the story lines in Grey's Anatomy and ER; which leads me to my sad story.
We had an mid-elderly lady be admitted to the ICU from the ER on Friday while I was working. She was a "no report" patient, which means we are not allowed to tell anyone, including family how she is doing or even confirm that she is there. This is the patients decision or power of attorneys decision. Before she came to the ICU we had a young man come and ask if she was there, all I could say is that we do not have a patient by that name. When she arrived to ICU I got her chart to do orders and noticed she was an intentional overdose of morphine. Come to find out her husband had been in the ICU the folowing week and had passed away. Today was his funeral. After the funeral the family informed her she would be going to a nursing home. The young man that had come by earlier was one of her grandchildren. The grandchildren were now cleaning out their grandparent's house of things they thought she no longer needed. I guess he had come by to see how much time he had. She had five daughters and not one of them offered to house her or take care of her instead of moving her into a nursing home. I do understand many time there are underlying issues, but this just broke my heart. I hope I am never put in a situation where I am forced to put my parents or grandparents or any family member in a nursing home. Hopefully by becoming a nurse I will always be abe to take care of the ones I love.

One of my favorite recipes...

I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes. I hope you all enjoy.


INGREDIENTS
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I use fresh corn on the cob and boil it first.)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (I use a 1 tsp)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)



DIRECTIONS
In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.

**I boil the chichen instead of pan frying it. It is much easier, and I think makes the chicken juicier. When it is done, I pull it apart in small strips and follow the recipe from there.

First Doctors Appointment

John and I had our first doctors appointment on Wednesday morning. Before leaving the house John had the priveledge of holding my hair back as I vomitted. We usually do not get up at the same time, so this was his first to see it in person. Did I mention he was brushing his teeth while I was leaning over the toilet? When we went back to the exam room they asked tons of questions and I shot a few back to them. Then came the pelvic exam. As much as I tried to prepare John for this, there really isn't enough preparation in the world to watch certain "tools" enter your wife. I looked healthy and everything looked great. So next was the ultrasound. I was not prepared for a transvaginal ultrasound, but apparently abdominal ultrasounds create too much electronic waves for such a tiny baby. When we first saw the baby and it's tiny heart beating was the most surreal moment in my life. It was so quiet in the room, I could feel tears fill my eyes, then I hear John say, "there really is something in there." Which was strange, it was the same thing I was thinking! We could see the babies little arm and leg buds, its head, and little body.
When we left doctor John immediatley started calling people, pacing back and forth, and holding on to the ultrasound pictures like they were the baby. He is going to be a wonderful father. Seeing John as a proud father-to-be has made my love for him grow even stronger.
I had my fianls for summer school on Wednesday too. I think I did well in the class and am so glad it is over. I am enrolled for school in the fall. I changed some of my classes around due to finances. I am taking Anatomy, Chemistry, and Nutrition. I will apply for the nursing program at Rogers State next fall. I am two classes shy of having every prerequisites filled for their nursing program. I am torn if I want to try and a least take one class next spring. 9 months pregnant, newborn, and microbiology or physiology, I do not know...that might be too much.


I almost forgot, The Due Date is........February 29th, a leap year baby!

Our First Doctors Appointment

Morning Sickness Last All Day!?!

I am so nauseated and with each week it seems to intensify. I was excused from class today after getting up for the fourth time to run to the bathroom. I was not soaking much information in anyways. I went home and slept till about 2 in the afternoon. I think I over did it this past week. I had studied for two test, gone to class for twelve hours, worked 38 hours at the hospital, and of course my normal jobs around the house. I never knew how exhausting it is too be pregnant, and not doing things myself is not my style at all. I would rather cut off my finger than ask for help, then I normally feel guilty for not doing it myself. BUT, I am starting to realize eveything I do to my body, not only affects me, but the baby too. SO, I am trying to slow down, which I know must frustrate John, which of course makes me feel bad. AND then to top it off, I seem to be surrounded by super women who apparently did 90 hours a week at work, won the Nobel Prize, and found the cure to AIDS all while being pregnant and keeping a perfectly clean house. I hate women like this, well maybe hate is too strong of a word, how about strongly dislike. I am not that woman, and God did not supply me with that much energy. As you can tell the hormones have kicked in : )
Our first appointment is in one week and 2 days. I am so excited. We will frist see the OB at 8:15, then have an ultrasound at 9:15. Our vacation will be the week to follow. I don't think John and I have spent an entire week together since our honeymoon!

I hope everyone is doing well!

I think everyone already knows....

That I am PREGNANT!! In case you can't tell I am very excited and very suprised. I am barely pregnant (I just found out Monday) and was hesistant on telling everyone until I was further along, but I just couldn't wait. I couldn't even wait for John to get home from work. I called him at work!! After multiple stammers and studders and telling ME congratulations, he ended with, "Well, I guess I am going to be a Daddy." Definetley, so far, my favorite words to come out of his mouth.
I went off birth control in May (yes only a month ago) and John and I were going to officially start "trying" in August. God had different plans, and I believe his are better!
My first appointment is July 25th, right before John and I's vacations.

Keep us in your prayers that we will have a healthy baby and that I will have a smooth pregnancy. (That still sounds weird!)